G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Sypnosis: A mysterious organization led by a corrupt arms dealers puts the world under threat. An international force of elite soldiers and specialists are tasked with protecting the world from this growing menace, using advanced technologies to even the score. (Source)

I love the movie because it is fully packed with action and surprises. For me, this is as good as Transformers 2.

I watched it last August 22, 2009 @ Mall of Asia with Yobs.

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"Handog Tsinelas" Project of SM Department Store and Rated K

"Darating ang araw na wala ng batang Pilipino ang mananatiling naka-paa." This is the tagline of SM Department Store and Rated K's joint charity project which advocates the making of a nation of children who would no longer suffer ache in their little feet.

The partnership of SM Department Store and Rated K is indeed a noble act as they promise to put an end to the sufferings of slipperless children, particularly in remote areas where they would walk their homes and their schools without a decent pair of footwear. By giving away slippers, SM Department Store and Rated K help these children enliven their grand and simple dreams.

From the third week of August till the end of September, shoppers can participate in this project by purchasing slippers and/or shoes at any SM Department Stores - men, ladies, teens and children's, P1 of the sales will proceed to the “Handog Tsinelas” to further the slippers charity.

“Handog Tsinelas”, which successfully runs at ABS-CBN in going out to various places of the archipelago especially the province and the remotes, has long been tracking sans slipper kids that go on their daily lives friskily. Not only are those who do not have are the targets of the episode, even those who own, yet no longer functional to use.

Poor children who cannot even afford to buy slippers remain in the realm of daydreams simply because they do not have the “feet” to make it real. They should not just live in their idyllic imaginations alone, with their heads on the clouds just to wake up again and find nothing real. But give them the means, give them the inspiration, give them the hope and you’ll see how true and how far they become.
(Information Source: Sun Star Pampanga, Photo Source: Crocs)

Last Friday, I bought a pair of black shoes at SM Department Store. At least, I did a good deed today, even if it took only a peso from my pocket.

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White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt & Mey-Lin's Noodle House, Mall of Asia

Yobs and I attended a baptism where I am one of the ninangs. Yobs was an instant photographer. Lol.

At the reception @ Ocean 88 Restaurant (located at Seaside, Macapagal Road, Pasay City), after wolfing down nilasing na hipon, baked tahong with cheese, buttered fried chicken, sinigang na lapu-lapu and chop suey, we headed to MOA to watch G.I.Joe, but before that we had our dessert at White Hat.

It was my first time to taste their Italian frozen yogurt and I liked it. White Hat's frozen yogurt is not too sweet, although some toppings can make it one. I suggest that you choose toppings like fresh fruits. Those flavored in syrup can make it a bit too sweet and can spoil the essense of its being a 98% fat free dessert.

I tried strawberries in syrup, but had regrets. I should have chosen fresh kiwi, grapes and peaches. Yobs loved his blueberries in syrup, but he said he should have added mandarin oranges on it. Next time, we'll try other toppings.

After watching the movie, before going home, we had merienda at Mey-Lin's Pot Noodle House and tried Szechuan noodle soup and Almond Jelly with Lychee. Yobs and I obviously love to eat and try out new dishes. We even asked the waiter what Szechuan is --- and now we know. Hehehe!

We enjoyed the soup until the bowl gets empty. It has thinly sliced scrambled eggs, pork strips and pechay, as we analyzed. The almond jelly with lychee tastes great, too. I would definitely come back for it!

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Feb Dominic's Baptism

One more blessing has been added in my life. Another inaanak has been included to my list. Today, Feb Dominic Balang, youngest son of my officemate, Jenny and husband, Dominic, was baptized at Malate Parish Church, Manila.

Welcome to the Christian World, Baby Feb!

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The Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

Who says cod liver oil is only for pets? I had this misconception that cod liver oil has the sole purpose of improving the health of animals such as fighting cocks, horses and dogs. But since a friend recommended it to me, I say there's no harm in trying.

I have been taking in cod liver oil for almost a week now and I can already feel the effects. My hair is growing shinier and my skin smoother and healthier.

What other benefits can you get from cod liver oil?

It is also known as "The No. 1 Superfood." Since it comes from a fish namely Cod, it has Omega-3 fatty acids which improves heart function and prevents heart diseases. It also helps heart attack survivors to recover faster and maintain their cholesterol level. Cod liver oil is also good for people dealing with obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, adult onset diabetes, and stroke. It also provides Vitamin D which strengthens the bones and muscles, and helps cure back and muscle pains as well as arthritis.

According to a reliable source, cod liver oil is better than any other vitamin supplements because this superfood has all the vitamins needed by the body.

For more information, you can visit this, this and this.

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Wanna Look Younger? Use Celeteque Anti-Wrinkle Facial Moisturizer!

After attending a make-up session in Makati, I, together with my Superf and newly found friend-bloggers, we proceeded to Mag:net, Bonifacio High Street to witness the launching of a new beauty product, the Celeteque Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Facial Moisturizer, which removes up to 92% of fine lines in just 6 weeks! Amazing, isn't it?

Earlier this year, the Celeteque Advanced team created the True Results Challenge, wherein over 50 Filipino women, aged 30 to 55 years old coming from all walks of life, became part of an amazing experience that resulted in making them look younger and more radiant.

Attendees to this event were also given the chance to experience up to 92% less fine lines as they continue to simulate the True Results Laboratory. This time, we are the challengers, complete with an accredited dermatologist and photographer to document our first week prior the use of the new Celeteque Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Facial Moisturizer.

I am so excited to see the honest-to-goodness results!

(Photo courtesy of Celeteque and Az Coladilla. Thanks!)

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Make-Up 101 with Victor Ortega of Artistry

I have always been so fond of make-ups since I was little. At 3, Mom used to just laugh out loud when she sees me with lipstick scattered all over my lips and cheeks. During high school, teachers used to scold us (me and all the girls [and gays] in the room when they see us with curlash and mascara on [because for them, we're still young to flirt]. Now that I am a professional, "making-up" is an essential because this will enhance my physical looks - something that will build my confidence in achieving my goals in life.

Last Saturday, August 15, Artistry, an innovator in skin care technology and a global leader in the prestige make-up arena, conducted a beauty clinic for the members of the online comminity led by the brand's chief make-up artist Victor Ortega. The beauty guru shared some of his most covered secrets on how to do a perfectly made-up face tailor fitted to the individual needs of women. He taught us how to put make-up starting from applying basic foundation, highlighting face contours, enhancing the eyes, emphasizing the lips and finishing the touch through cheek blushes. Mr. Ortega also taught us the difference between day and night make-up.

After the "Make-Up 101" demonstration, Artistry let us apply make-up on ourselves. This was the greatest part because we (Sire, Iris, Monique, Edel and me) really enjoyed experimenting on how to transform our "simply me" looks into a MORE beautiful and radiant faces. While doing hands-on, we couldn't help but say, "Their products are great! I so so love the foundation... and the lipstick... and the liner... and the eyeshadows... and the "eye broom"!"

"There's no way of undoing the make-up craze given that more women are discovering the magic of these products and new brands continue to surface every day. The bigger task now is to reconcile these cosmetic innovations with natural beauty. Artistry Colour heeds to the challenge - to provide discerning women the chance to flaunt their inherent and unique trails while keeping up with today's way of living," says Victor.

I always believe in "Sensible Spending": that what you should buy are things that you need to improve yourself, no matter what the cost. May it be a simple hair brush or an elegant dress or an expensive make-up, it is something that you should invest in. This is because a pleasing personality primes people's mind to attribute positive characteristics to that person and "beautiful people are subject to greater career advancement, judged to be more intelligent, and given more attention (University of Pennsylvania)."

We left the venue with smiles on our face as we look forward to another blog event that afternoon. Artistry was so kind to give some of their products. We had this and this as gifts.

Thanks, Artistry! Thanks, Sir Victor! And thank you, Az Coladilla, for the photos :)

_______

Artistry is a technology-based skin care and cosmetic brand spanning years of experience in pioneering effective products. Artistry is exclusively distributed by Amway Philippines. For more information, please call 814-8181 or visit http://www.amway.com.ph/.

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First Love :'(

I dreamed of my first love last night... he's leaving and waving goodbye... and we're both crying :'( I don't understand, but when I woke up, parang totoo 'yung sakit.
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The Prayer for a Happy Death (By Pres. Corazon C. Aquino)

While I was bloghopping at Brown Pinay's blog, I have read the poem which was beautifully written by the late President Corazon C. Aquino. I've been looking for it in the net since I heard about it on tv. Thanks to blogmate, Cielo, for the feed.

(Photo Source)

Here's the poem...

Almighty God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.

So, remind me each day,
most loving Father
To be the best that I can be.
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true.
To embrace what is good,
To reject what is evil,
To adore only You.

When the final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long.
Let them comfort each other
And let them know
how much happiness
They brought into my life.
Let them pray for me,
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray
for each other.

Let them know that they made possible
Whatever good I offered to our world.
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a short while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.

Our Father in heaven,
You alone are my hope.
You alone are my salvation.
Thank you for your unconditional love,
Amen.

Since, President Corazon C. Aquino died, I haven't blogged about it. Maybe because I was then still in denial stage. I wanted to remember her as a living icon who freed us, Filipinos, from the dark days of dictatorship.

I still remember myself when I was 5, arguing with my Dad who was then a self-acclaimed Marcos loyalist. "Daddy, Cory ka ba o Marcos?" I asked. Daddy simply answered, "Marcos." and I replied, "Basta ako, Cory ako! Cory! Cory! Cory!" with my right hand displaying the "LABAN" sign. My mom asked me, "Why do you like her?" I innocently said, "Kasi mabait siya."

I really had no idea what was going on with Philippine politics then. All I knew was Tita Cory was a hero. Now that I fully understand what she did for our country, I stand still and proud by my belief: That Pres. Aquino is indeed a hero, and for that, I thank and honor her.
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The Biggest Loser Asia LIVE Auditions in the Philippines at Fitness First, SM Megamall

03 August 2009, Philippines—The Biggest Loser Asia is coming to Asia for the first time and Fitness First is proud to be a sponsor of a show that has helped change the lives of people around the world for the better. Fitness First clubs around Asia will be exclusive venues for the live screen test auditions for participants who want to be part of the show. In the Philippines, LIVE screen test auditions will be held exclusively at Fitness First at SM Megamall on the 15th of August 2009 (Saturday) from 10am-4pm.

~

The Biggest Loser is coming to Asia for the first time and Fitness First is proud to be a sponsor of a show that has helped change the lives of people around the world for the better.

Since its debut in 2004 in the US by NBC reality television, the Biggest Loser has become a worldwide hit viewed by millions, airing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. This is the first reality show where obese contestants are challenged and encouraged under guided expert supervision to undergo strenuous physical and mental training in order to shed kilos. The one who loses the most weight not only wins a grand cash prize of USD 100, 000 but also gains a healthier and better quality life!

Produced by Imagine Omnimedia (producers of Contender Asia) for the Hallmark Channel in Asia, Biggest Loser Asia will help change the lives of obese Filipinos who want to take up the challenge of shedding bad lifestyle habits and embracing healthier ones. The Biggest Loser Asia does not only look into the physical challenges of the contestants’ personal journeys but also their emotional and psychological trials and tribulations as they lose the kilos, inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

“We are extremely excited about being a part of The Biggest Loser weight loss reality TV show in Asia. This is a great opportunity for the Filipinos to show their dedication and commitment to staying fit and healthy” quips Fitness First Philippines’ Country Manager, Mark Ellis.

From June 22, to August 31, 2009, hopefuls can apply online at www.biggestloserasia.com and/or turn up at the LIVE auditions and on screen test events at the four selected countries in Asia which are the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

In the Philippines, LIVE screen test auditions will be held exclusively at Fitness First at SM Megamall on the 15th of August 2009 (Saturday) from 10am-4pm.

SPECIAL NOTE: REFER A FITNESS FIRST MEMBER FRIEND AND WIN Php 25,000 IF THEY BECOME A SEASON FINALIST :)

Fitness First is the number one global fitness company and the world’s largest fitness operator. For inquiries, please call 848-0000 or visit www.fitnessfirst.com.ph.

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Oh, Mondays...

Tomorrow, I'll be very busy with work because it is a Monday. I hope everything will work out just fine.

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Losing Weight: Deal or No Deal?

I had a deal with my officemates Liam and Paul regarding "dieting". After a month, starting today, August 1, we have to do whatever we can just to lose weight. At the end of the month, the one who loses the greatest number of pounds will be declared as the winner. The "Biggest Loser" will receive an amount of P2,000.00 from the two who didn't make it to the top.

Ok, so I'll be starting with drinking Herbalife chocolate shake as an alternative to my three full meals today and tomorrow, plus 50 counts of jump rope each day until August 31. Wohoo! This sounds great.

Tomorrow is another day!
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